Two Charged With Sex Offences Against Children In Basildon

Two people have been charged with sex offences against young boys and girls in Basildon.

Following a complex enquiry involving a number of victims under 16, Grant Francis and Hayley Morgan were charged when they answered police bail on Wednesday, December 17.

Francis, 28, of St James Road, Vange, was charged with one count of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13, two counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15, two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration, one count of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of assaulting a female aged 13 and over by penetration, two counts of sexual assault, three counts of making an indecent photograph or pseudo photograph of a child.

His co-accused, Morgan, 20, of Longmead, Pitsea, was charged with two counts of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13, one count of sexual assault, one count of making an indecent photograph or pseudo photograph of a child, one count of taking an indecent photograph or pseudo photograph of a child and ten counts of distributing an indecent photograph or pseudo photograph of a child.

Both have been released on police bail to appear at Basildon Magistrates Court on January 29.

Essex Police has been working with Essex County Council safeguarding to ensure the welfare of the victims.

Anyone with concerns or who has information they wish to pass to police should contact Dc Jenna McQueen in the Police Online Investigation Team on 101.